ASSESSMENT OF FRESH SEED DORMANCY AND ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN IN-SITU GERMINATION OF MUNGBEAN (VIGNA RADIATA L.) GENOTYPES

Abstract

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) or in-situ germination causes significant qualitative and quantitative losses in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) under unpredictable rainfed environments. This study was conducted to assess fresh seed dormancy (FSD) and its association with seed quality and enzymatic activities in 34 mungbean genotypes during the Kharif seasons of 2020 and 2021 at VNMKV, Parbhani, Maharashtra. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with two replications. Observations were recorded for 23 traits encompassing morphological, yield-contributing, and seed quality characters. Significant genetic variability (p < 0.01) was observed among the genotypes for all traits. The fresh seed dormancy, assessed by the time required for pod opening under moisture exposure, ranged from 0.8 to 80.8 hours. Genotype Phule M 818-8 exhibited the highest pod opening time (80.8 hrs), indicating a high level of fresh seed dormancy and resistance to in-situ germination. Genotypes Phule M 818-8, AKM-1605, and Phule M 817-13 demonstrated superior germination percentages (>93%) and vigour indices. Biochemical analysis revealed a highly significant positive correlation between the activities of α-amylase (r = 0.78) and dehydrogenase (r = 0.76) with germination percentage, and with Vigour Index I (r = 0.80 and 0.78, respectively). The identification of genotypes with robust fresh seed dormancy and superior yield traits provides valuable donors for future breeding programs aimed at developing mungbean varieties resilient to pre-harvest sprouting.